| Notes |
- William is the son Eleanor Clay & Charles Earl Lawrence.
Ontario Marriage:
. 1862 Dec 4 - Wm. H Lawrence, to Chambers, Toronto,.
Wm. Henry Lawrence of Vaughan, bachelor & Mary Chambers of Toronto, spinster, by me Rev. H J Grasett.
. 1859 Mar 1 & 1860 Oct 1 - Letters remaining in Richmond Hill Post Office, William H Lawrence.
Ref: York Herald Newspaper, & York Commonwealth, Richmond Hill.
. 1869 Aug 27 - Large Advertisement: WEAVING, CLOTH DRESSING & COLORING.The subscriber in returning thanks for the liberal patronage he has relied since he commenced business, has much pleasure announcing that he had had his Factory Still Further Improved, by adding several new Machines & is now prepared to do WEAVING IN A SUPERIOR MANNER, cloth dressing & coloring.
He has also secured the services of Peter Wier, who has had 32 years experience in one of the best factories in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was 11 years a designer, who will devote his undivided attention to the wished & requirements of the customers. All kinds of coloring done.
Signed, W H Lawrence, Lot 42, Con 1, Vaughan, August 2, 1869.
. Ontario Death Registration, # 28734
William Henry Lawrence, 146 Coldwater Rd.,
male, Cdn., married, 85 years, 5 months, 15 days., born Richmond Hill, Dec 15, 1838, retired. Length of Residence: 4 Years at place of death to Lifetime in Ontario,
Father Charles E Lawrence, born Nova Scotia*
Mother Eleanor L W Clay, b. England
Informant Maudie Lawrence, daughter, Orillia. Buried Orillia on Jun 2, 1924.
William Henry Lawrence died of old age.
Note1: His father Charles E Lawrence was born in New Brunswick, which was original part of the Province of Nova Scotia.
. 1859 Mar 25 - Letters remaining at the Richmond Hill Post Office: William H Lawrence. Ref: York commonwealth Newspaper.
. 1868 May 28, to Jun 12th. Richmond Hill Advertisement: WOOL CARDING & CLOTH DRESSING FOR 1868. The subscriber, in returning thanks for the liberal patronage which his numerous friends & customers have favored him, would state that he has
Fitted up his Carding machine with New Cards,
In a superior manner, also have employed Joh Riddell late of Markham who being widely known as a First-Class Workman, feels confident of given to those who ma favor him with their custom, the most entire satisfaction. Parties returning their cloth to be dressed at my establishment, in the fall, will not be required to pay for their carding until after having their cloth dress. *** the highest price will be paid for wool delivered at the shop. Wool Taken in Pay for Carding. Signed W H Lawrence.
Ref: York Herald newspaper, pub. 1868 Jun 5.
. 1869 Feb 17, Richmond Hill. Tenders Wanted. Tenders will be received up to Saturday, March 20 1869 for the building of a HOUSE & STABLE. Plans specifications may be seen on application to James M Lawrence, Township Clerk.
The lowest or any other ender will not be received unless otherwise satisfactory. Signed, Wm H Lawrence.
. 1869 Oct 5, Auction Sale of Custom Carding & Fulling Mill, Dwelling House & 4 acres of excellent Land, situated on Lot 42, Con 1, Vaughan, the property of W H Lawrence. To be sold at Henderson's Auction Rooms, 76 Yonge St., Toronto, Henderson Wallace Auctioneers.
Ref: York Herald newspaper.
Note2: Compare, at the same time, the Furniture auction of furniture by his Uncle A C Lawrence L42, C1 in 1867.
. 1869 Oct 21, Astray. Came into the premises of the subscriber, near of Lot 42, 1st Con. Vaughan, about 20th September last, a large pig. The owner is requested to prove property, pay expenses & take it away. Signed W H Lawrence.
. 1869 Nov 11, Notice The party who took from my premises, Lot 42, ear of 1st Con, Vaughan, a few days ago, a Black Pig, with a ring in its nose, & part of one ear cut off, is hereby requested to call on me & pay for the advertising of the same. W H Lawrence.
. 1869 Nov 19, Auction Sales, Farm Stock, Implements etc, on Lot 42 1st Con Vaughan, property of Wm H Lawrence, Sale at 1 o'clock pm. W H Myers, Auctioneer.
Ontario Land Registry,.
Lot 6, Con 1 EYS, Abstract Book North York 170, page 127
. 1833 Nov 28, B&S, Mary Lawrence et al, Alex C Lawrence et ll £500 & £800, its E40 Acre, Pt 160 Acre.
Ontario Land Registry,
. Lot 41, Con 1, WYS, Richmond Hill, Abstract Book 170
. 1869 Oct 12, Mortgage, Wm H Lawrence et au, to John Duncumb, $300, Pt. W & Water pt., 4 & 5 Acres.
. 1870, Mortgage, Wm H Lawrence, to John Velie, $300, Pt 8 Acres.
. 1870 Jul 9, Mortgage, Wm H Lawrence, to Western Can Loan Society, $1141, Pt 8 acres.
Ontario Land Registry
Lot 42, Con 1 West Side Yonge, Richmond Hill, Book 153, p80.
. 1818 Jun 13, WILL, John Lawrence, to Mary Lawrence stall, All acres
. 1855 Jan 31, Release, John W Lawrence et all, to Peter Lawrence, Executor, £25, ALL.
. 1869 Oct 12, William H Lawrence, etux, to John Duncomb, $300, Pt & Water Ft. 9 acres.
. 1870 May 7, Mortgage, WH Lawrence Etux, to John Veilie, $300, Pt 8 Acres;
. 1870 July 9, Mortgage, WH Lawrence Etux, Western Can Loan Society, $1141.92, Pt 8 acres.
___________________ - _____________________
[William H Lawrence was a witness to the following horrific story, in date order. - PJ Ahlberg 2015]:
* 1859 Sep 2- MURDER & ATTEMPTED SUICIDE: Witnesses:
On Wednesday morning August 31st, the inhabitants of Richmond Hill were startled by the announcement that the wife of Robert Moore had died the previous evening under rather suspicious circumstances. Information having been laid before Henry Miller, Esq., corner, res. at Thornhill by Joseph McGee, brother to the deceased, stated that Mrs. Moore had come by her death by violent treatment of her husband Robt. Moor & demanded an inquest which was held on the spot. Dr. Langstaff was request to examine the body. Whilst so doing the jury found it necessary to adjourn to the residence of Mr. G Arksey, miller, & were taking James Burns' evidence, when it was suddenly announced that Robert Moore had cut his throat. Proceeding at once to the spot they found the man lying on his side having inflicted several severe gashed in his throat with a razor. Dr. Langstaff attended attend & Moore recovered sufficiently to make a written & verbal statement to Robt. Marsh, Esq. JP, one of the jurymen, saying her death was caused by injuries received from falling whilst intoxicated, afterwards disproved.
. 1859 Sep 3, Thursday - The jury met again this morning at Arkey's & read over the evidence of JAMES BURNS - Burns as follows:
Aug 11th, Saturday, he was in bed; he heard a scuffle; saw Moor knock deceased down & kick her several times, hard him threaten to make away with there & call her names,
Dr. LANGSTAFF - evidence showed that the deceased came by her death from inflammation of the bowels; each inflammation being cause by blows or kicks given by some person.
Dr. Langstaff who made a post mortem examination stated the woman was strictly temperate habits. Edmund McGee sworn that Mr. Moore was in the habit of grossly abusing his wife; also Mrs. Moore was of strictly temperate habits, corroborated by several other persons. Mrs. Moore was esteemed by all, industrious & sober habits, amiable disposition, a member of the Evangelical Methodist church.
Dr. Langstaff gave evidence that her death was from inflammation of the bowels caused by blows or kicks given.
This unfortunate affair has cause the greatest excitement from the fact that Moore has lived in this neighborhood for several years & was thought an inoffensive man, indeed to judge from his appearance, one would not image him to be a desperate character he has turned out to be.
Ref: York Herald 2 Sept 1859, Pg. & Newmarket Era 1859.9.9, p2. (Slightly abbreviated.) move down pat
Transcribed by P J Ahlberg from the Toronto Globe Newspaper, published 9.3. 1859.
. 1859 Sep 9th 23,? THE RICHMOND HILL TRAGEDY: Slightly abbreviated transcript:
This week we have given a full & complete report given before the Corner's Jury. Saturday last, a very incorrect version of the case appeared in the Leader, although a letter was published from the Jury foreman, M Teefy, Esq. contradicting contradictant the version. We will confine ourselves to point out the errors:
Error No. 1 Not true "there was a strife of tongues in which Moore cost worsted" nor that Moore used any weapon whatever.
Error 2. Moore didn't ask leave to go in the yard as he was not at that time arrested. He was not missed by being so long away, as he was seen cry few minutes before he cut his throat, nor did any one go look after him, not officially.
Error 3. The Jury did not return a verdict of manslaughter. The Leader could give in full the correct report sent them by the jury foreman.
. Robert Moore is a native of Belfast, Ireland. In 1837 he was a corporal in the 71 Battalion, Royal Regiment, in Gibraltar, discharged in 1842 subject to palpitation of the heart. During the army he bore a good character.
He was married 3 months previous to emigrating 15 years ago (1844), resided on Yonge St. for 13 of those years [1846*]. He was thought by many to be harmless, inoffensive man. However, he is a man of violet passions & previously maltreated his unfortunate wife. Her remains were interred in burying ground here on Saturday, by Rev. Greaves, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. [= buried Sat.17 Sept 1859].
Note3: James Moore. Con 9, Lot 19, [Town of} Markham. Ref: Brown's Toronto City Directory. { Nil for ON Land Registry. {Research find C Moore 1877 Mar 16
When we last wrote Moore was not expected to live, No there is great probability of his ultimate recover. the verbal & written statement made to Mr. Marsh after committing the rash cool act, & expecting every moment to die, has been contradicted by other evidence.
. Sept 1., Thurs. Morning - JAMES BURNS continues: I smelled liquor on her breath in my face. The Boy Goggins came to me & said Moore was beating her. I told the boy not to listen & that she fell down the cellar & blacked her but he could not be fooled. I feared he would report it over the neighbourhood. On Monday Mr. Moore told him his wife broke eggs when she slipped down. I considered she was always afraid of him; he always spoke roughly to her; On Sunday night she had only one black eye, when I saw her laid out she had two; I seen her on Thurs, Fri. & Sat & her clothes were not wet then from falling into the creek. I left Moore's house on Sat. night between 11 & 12 o'clock with Edmund McGee, my brother-in-law & went to Richmond Hill to [the Rev.] Mr. Jenkins, where my wife lives.
On Thurs. Sept 1st, I asked Robert Moore why he cut his throat. If he was to be kil't & put to gaol & l'd die there any way.
. 1859 Aug 31 Wed. Coroner's Jury: M Teefy, Esq, J.P. Foreman, R Marsh*, Esq. JP, J. Lawrence,* H. Edwards, H Sanderson, G Thomas, G Leif, T J Wheeler, S Sanderson, J Williams, J Miller J Hall W. Harris & John Arnold*.TJ Wheeler,S Sanderson, J Williams, J Miller. J Hall, W. Harrison.
Note4: The * 3 are in-laws & thus also related to witnesses to this trial Wm H & Sarah C Lawrence.
Examination of Witnesses conducted in Mr. Moore's house.:
WILLIAM GOGGINS*, a lad about 14 years (b. 1845), said: I hired by Robt. Moore, were working together at Mr. Lawrence's (i.e. Fulling Mill & Pond) on Saturday; in the evening we came home. James Burns was there; Burns went out to milk the cow; Mr. Moore told me to carry some wood, while I was outside I heard Moore say to his wife "Why don't you do what you are bid?" after I heard a bit of a scuffle, heard my mistress scream & call out "Oh!" She said she fell down the cella & blacked her eye; the said he could not be fooled that way he snowed Moore was a licking her; I was anxious to keep ht boy ignorant of family quarrels . I do positively swear that she was not drunk; I would to have known she had taken any liquor if I did not smell it on he breath; all was quiet except her moaning. he ordered to go to bed.
that Monday Mr Moore told him his wife broke eggs; I bought the eggs on Monday because she said she slipped down & broke some; she was always afraid of him, he always spoke roughly to her; I do not know whether he beat her at that; I left Moore house on Sat. night bet. 11 - 12 o'clock, with Edmund McGee my brother-in-law, went to Richmond Hill to Mr. Jenkins where my wife lives,
Next morning I saw marks of blow or kick on the left side of the head, near the eye; since Sunday morning she was sick all the time complaining she was not well & could not eat at all. On Monday she was moving about the house attending to her household duties, cooking; Tuesday, (yesterday) she did the washing, sitting down 2 or 3 times, complained of sickness; in the evening she got tea ready for Mr. Moore & myself, but did not eat. After my work was done for the day I split a little wood, while doing so I heard Mrs Moore crying in the cookhouse, Moore in the dwelling house. Mrs. Moore asked me to bring some water water out to the cookhouse to wash some dishes as she was not able to do so. Mrs Moore laid down in the bedroom & Mr. Moore made some tea for her; he sent me to Richmond Hill for some oatmeal.
Note5: * XRef: see Charles Earl Lawrence where in 1860, Goggins saved a much larger man from drowning at the Lawrence fulling pond.
Note6: Wm. Goggin, B 1855 Ireland, aged 61y8m. D. 21 Feb 1916 Bracebridge. Census 1881 Bracebridge.
On my return home I met William Henry Lawrence on horseback; I asked him where he was going - he said he was going for the Doctor for Mrs. Moore & she was dying; when I got back Mrs. Arksey was here; I did not see Mrs Moore again; she died between 9 & 10 o'clock last night. I never saw the deceased the worse of liquor. Mr. Moore was not worse of liquor the night I head the scuffle; I never saw him beat her before; he used often to speak cross to her.
JAMES BURNS, Tailor, brother-in-law of Mrs. Moore, I have been working for Mr. Moore for the past few days; on Saturday evening I was lying on the bed, being unwell, in the adjoining room about 8 o'clock, I heard a noise like of a person falling, I heard her cry out "Oh Robert!" in a pitiful manner, I got out of bed & whilst I was coming out of the room, I heard Moore say " I will put an end to you, you flaming --- ; "I endeavored to make peace: I told him for God's sake not to murder her; I got her to go into the cooke house; Moore followed her & took her by the neck placing both hands round the neck, he brought her in from the cookhouse by the neck & shed her on the floor; & gave her one or two kicks; one struck her on the right eye; he kicked her also on the right side of her arm with his boots; he called her a flaming ____ several times; I tried to save her, he tore her dress while I endeavored to prevent his kicking her; Moore said to me that he would put her out of this on Monday morning; if she would look at the door after that he would put a bullet through her if he were hung in 5 minutes after for it. Mrs. Moore then went into the bedroom.
Mr. Moore said she had broke eggs. - I had bought 20 dozen & hid them about the house afraid he would notice I bought so many. Mrs Moore did break but few. He said she had fooled him too often; called her a drunken ____ I asked her to breathe in may face in order to ascertain if she had been taking liquor.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.2 - At this stage a cry was heard that Robert Moore had cut his throat. Proceeding at once to the spot, the jury found the man lying on his side having inflicted several gashed on his throat with a razor. Dr. Langstaff attended him a short time. Moore then made a written & verbal statement to Robt. Marsh. Esq., JP, one of the jurymen. Moore first acts on coming to himself a little, was to hadn't R Marsh, Esq. his purse, pocketbook & backed him to pay attention to I'm for so indistinctly as to render it impossible to understand him at first. His remarks instructions, relative to his property were all given to Mr. Marsh, he gave signs he wanted aper & pencil, his verbal & written statement as given to the jury the next day. It was a fearful sight to see the man weltering in his gore, as he was bleeding profusely. In consequence, the jury adjourned till 8 a.m. the next day.
JOSEPH McGEE of Vaughan, brother-in-law of the deceased sworn he never knew the deceased the worse for liquor. Mr. Moore was a man of violent passions & was in the habit of maltreating the deceased.
JAMES LANGSTAFF, M.D. Vaughan. - Sworn. The late Mary Ann Moore was healthy in appearance externally, numerous bruises, 3 on the back of the right fore arm; several in front of wrist, one above the elbow, left arm, one below the left collar bone, 2 on back of right shoulder; right eye, forehead & temple considerably black & brushed; bruise to spine, thigh, lip knee good deal bruised. The lungs were adherent in a few places; The abdomen & stomach & bowels were distended with ankle, right side of neck, & left hand. Brain shows congestion & effusion. Lungs were adherent; leading of heart. Stomach & bowels distended with gas; the liver was enlarged. Intestines had dozen bleed spots & were congested & appears to be cause by external blows taken place about four days previous to examination. the woman was deal when I arrived at the house.
It is my opinion that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, hastened by effusions in the heart sac, at least 3 bruises upon the bowels. [Slightly abbreviated version.] [Dr. James Langstaff, 1825- 1879, Richmond Hill Cemetery]
MOORE'S STATEMENT: On Sat. evening after I came home, I was sitting smoking when she fell against the window bottom outside of the door; she struck her temple; I helped her & put my hadn't to her shoulder & pushed her into the door, I pushed her again …she fell again where Burn's said don't strike her, but catched her by the back of the neck & pulled her back; & tore off her shirt and wrapped her in a Flannel petticoat to warm her; Burns said I should give her a good threshing for provoking her to get drunk on her own freewill. I said I wished I was dead rather than live with a drunken women & then went to bed; in the morning she asked me to forgive her & I said I should not till she got better.
He continued verbally that his wife was clearing out the stove on Saturday evening when she fell forward several times on her arm; she fell upon the pot she had been scrubbing & struck her on eye the pot; she fell down stairs carrying some eggs during the day.
Moore express a wish that Miss Sara Catherine Lawrence should be examined as he was afraid that other parties wished to swear his life away.
On Tues. He was assisting the Boy to load manure, while his wife was working beside the Creek & fell around; she fell twice. She said she was bad; the boy desired her to quit working & assisted her up to the house & she laid down; she prepared tea for them ... again she took sick. Moore made her some ginger tea & did not want her neighbors to see the state she was in. Shortly she laid down & turned toward the wall & groaned heavily; he went to Mr. Lawrence's & requested him to go for the Doctor, when Moore returned she was barely able to speak & died shortly after.
SARAH CATHERINE LAWRENCE - * Note7: Please see the cross reference entry under (Aunt) Miss Sarah Catherine Lawrence's testimony about finding Mrs. Moore sick on the floor. - PJA
EDMUND McGEE of Markham, Yeoman, brother of the deceased Mrs Moore, I hired with Robert Moore one year & six months about 1857-58; Robert Moore was home & was filing his pipe; my sister was washing up the tea things, he had a knife in his hand, he told her to be cautions; she asked him what she was to be cautions about; he jumped immediately took her by the hair; of the head; knocked her down, kicked & gave her two black eyes, threw her against the door & ordered her about her business;
One night he came home drunk & used her very roughly; turned her out of doors in the cold, she begged for her shawl; she came in to get it & he at once ran after & chased her away; he used her very roughly several times to my knowledge.
* After hearing all the evidence bearing on the case & after careful deliberation, the following verdict was returned:
"That Mary Ann Moore came by her death from inflammation of the bowels, caused by violent blows & kicks inflicted by her husband, Robert Moore, on Saturday 27, August."
Ref: York Herald, Richmond Hill, 9 Sep 1859, p. 2
. Toronto Fall Assizes - On Monday next, the 24th inst., Robert Moore will be tied for the murder of his wife. We hear that quite a large number have been subpoenaed as witnesses on the case.
Ref: 1859 Oct. 21, York Herald.
. 1859 Sep 16 - MOORE AGAIN [.1c] - Moore who recently attempted self-destruction is slowly recovering & will be removed to Toronto shortly, there to await his trial. We understand that he still asserts that he did not beat his wife on the night of which it was sworn he did.
. 1859 Sep 16 - CREDIT SALE: On Wednesday next, at 11 A.M. the farm stock, household furniture, potatoes etc. belonging to Robert Moore, Lot 4, Con. 1 WS Yonge St., by auction by Messrs. Smelser & Bowman [of Vaughan Town Council].
Ref: York Herald (Richmond Hill, ON), p. 2, Col 4.
Notes8: 1852 Census: Robt. Moore, age 31 /b. 1820 Ireland,
married to Mary Ann, [nee McGee], Age 30/ b. 1821 Ireland, Episcopalian, One female born 1851 & died stillborn 1851. Slab Shanty house.
- 1852 Agricultural Census Vaughan: Robert Moor, Lot 31, Con 1 Yonge W. side, [i.e. Vaughan, ON.]
A quarter acre. 4 A. Garden or orchards. Quarter A. yields 10 bushels potatoes. 1 bull or steer. 2 pigs, 80 lbs. butter, 6 barrels of pork.
Note9: Letters at Richmond Hill P.O., Mrs. Moore, (care of Joseph Hill) Ref: York Ridings Gazette, p3.
. 1859 Sept 23 - PRISONER MOORE - Robert Moore was on Friday morning the 16th inst., removed to Toronto Jail, there to await his trial for causing the death of his wife. We hear he showed considerable repugnance to be being taken to that place of entertainment.
Ref: York Herald, 23 Sep 1859, p. 2.
. 1859 Oct 21 - Toronto Fall Asses - On Monday next 24th ins. Robert Moore will be tired for the murder of his wife. We hear that quite a large number have been subpoenaed as witnesses on the case.
. 1859 Oct 28 - Toronto Fall Assizes, Hon. W H Draper, Murder, The Queen vs Robert Moore for murder of his wife. Crown Attorney J H Cameron, QC & Mr. Dempsey, for the prisoner Mr M. C. Cameron, & S B Campbell.
JAMES BURNS - I know the prisoner, he my bother-in-law; lived with him on occasions of his wife's death, which occurred on the 27th August last; was unwell laying in a bedroom off the kitchen; prisoner was away that day attending a threshing machine at Mr. Lawrence's, heard a noise & got out of bed; heard her call out oh! oh! but as I came out into the kitchen I saw her lying on the floor; he made a kick at her, I got between him & her; got her up & took her out into the back kitchen; he followed & sized her with both hands around the neck & drew her back & threw her on the floor; he called her a flaming ____ you have fooled me too often but won't do so any more; made several kicks at her, one struck her on the eye & one on the arm, another on the hip; he kicked her several times & made use of improper expressions; I entreated him not to murder her; he pushed her into a room; this was about 8 o'clock pm., did not see her till between 11 & 12 the night; they were then both in bed; both were sober, called on Sunday, she was sitting crying, she had a black eye; she showed me her arm, it was all black & she said that her body was worse, & her head was sore, called again on Monday & found her crying, wanted her to eat she said she could not, wanted prisoner to speak to her, he refused, saying her days was short with him, she died on Tuesday, had heard the prisoner made use of hard language towards her, but never knew him to strike her before.
Crossed examined by Cameron: Went to prisoner's house on the 21st, they had left for the city before I arrived, when they came home Mrs. Moore showed me their likenesses, she said, Robert you look much better than I do, he struck the likeness with his hand & said go away, seen no liquor drunk by anyone, she was packing eggs, I had to go to bed 2 or 3 times that day. On Saturday while she was in the room he made use of improper language towards her & that she must be off on Monday, he would shoot her if he was to be hung for it in 5 minutes & said Goggins that she fell down into the cellar on that day, that was not true, only said so because I did not wish to satisfy him as to the cause of the black eye, did not wish to say it was her husband who did it, has only seen the prisoner the worse of liquor twice, did not know the deceased drank, had offer her wine & she refused.
Reexamine by Mr. Cameron - On the evening after deceased died the prisoner attempted to cut his throat at the hay stack. He made 7 scars, I sat up with him all the night. Next morning I said him it was foolish for him to cut his throat & enquired why he did it. He said he would be killed or put to jail & die there & that it was all the same. [Note10Burns testimony continues at Sarah Catherine Lawrence].
WILLIAM GOGGINS - I know the prisoner, I lived with him 3 months before his wife died. On the Saturday previous to her death, we had been working at Lawrences. We returned about 8 o'clock. Burns went to milk the cow & prisoner sent me to bring in wood for the Sunday. When I got out I hears a scuffle. I told Burns that he was beating her, All I known is what I heard. Seen her on Sunday. She had a black eye & complained of being sick. She also complained on Monday & on Tuesday she was crying. He put her to bed that night & gave her some ginger tea. She died before morning. Never saw the deceased under the influence of liquor all the time the I lived with them.
Cross examined by Cameron - After we came home on Saturday evening, deceased, prisoner & Mr Burns, were sitting together. Burns went out to milk the cow before I went for the wood. There is a cellar to the house. Don't known that Mrs. Moor was in the cellar that day.
EDMOND McGEE - The deceased was my sister. The prisoner used her badly. I lived with them in 1857-8. Have often seen the prisoner drunk. My sister was a sober women, I never known her to take liquor.
Cross-examined by Cameron - My sister joined the Temperance Society many years ago. Has seen the prisoner drunk many times & beat my sister both when he was drunk & sober, he would knock her down & kick her.
DR. LANGSTAFF - I performed the post mortem examination; there was no indication of brain disease, the abdomen had bruisers which might have been occasioned by kicks. Her death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, I should say the the inflammation was produced by the bruises. The stomach does not present the appearance as if the deceased had been of intemperate habits.
THE DEFENCE: DAVID HOPKINS - I know the prisoner & his wife; was at their house on the Sat. before her death. Moore was not at home; Burns was there. My opinion is that she was under the influence of liquor. This was between 4 & 5 o'clock in the afternoon; she staggered & seemed stupid. Burns said that she had been sick. I have known the prisoner for about 11 years; he is a hard working honest man. [David Hopkins, d.1886 Richmond Hill Presby. Cemetery]
ROBERT HUGHES - I am acquainted with the prisoner; know the ceased; was in the house of the morning before her death. She was then unpacking eggs & had a black eye; she said she had fallen down the cellar stairs.
To Mr. Cameron - I doubt whether she was telling what was true.
MARY DOGHERTY - Said that she saw the deceased the Sunday before her death; asked what was the matter, she said that she fell into the cellar.
SEVERAL WITNESS - were called who spoke to the prisoners general character, which they said was good.
The jury returned a verdict of Guilty of Manslaughter.
Ref: York Herald, 24 Sep 1859, p. 2.
. 1859 Oct 28 - WIFE MURDER NO CRIME, Canadian Court of Justice Editorial:
1859 Nov 4 - TORONTO FALL ASSIZES: Moore's Sentence: TWO year imprisonment in the Penitentiary against the ruffian who kicks & abuses a respectable woman to death, SUCH IS LAW; BUT IT NOT JUSTICE & when law is not justice it ought to be abolished. If the Judge could not possibly inflict a more severe punishment, then, indeed, crime may well rear it head - as it does in our midst - & wife-beating becomes a fashionable pastime for friends, upon who nothing but the terror of the law will have any effect. To call such a sentence as Moore's a terror to evil-doers is all moonshine; it will have rather an opposite effect. However, the verdict is given & as our opinion is already recorded, it is of no use saying anything more about. We would however, leave the subject the the editor of the Colonist Newspaper right as to a mistake he made in the following statement:
We did not assert the witnesses referred to were not summoned. What we did assert was, that seven material witnesses were not examined at all, although they had the subpoenas in their pockets & that if these witnesses had been examined the result would have been different. We think so still. We unhesitatingly affirm these persons had been upon upon their oath & sworn that their narration of the vile & fiendlike acts of cruelty of the prisoner to his wife, would have horrified anyone only to hear. As to the why & the wherefore these persons were not examined we know not; but we do know the fact that they were not & it is also our opinion that they ought to have been.
* Their evidence was highly important, one of them would have sworn that Moore "pointed a gun at his wife & said you have more lives than a cat, but I'll do for you yet."
* Why was not the woman who attended Mrs. Moore in 8 confinements, put upon her oath but not then have heard her evidence? It makes one shudder only to listen to what she relates.
* Why was not Mrs. Burns & several others also examined? The light sentence given by Judge Draper accused suggests that wife beating is not as serious as other crimes.
The vile wretch who with heavy boots kicks an honest respectable women who unfortunately is his wife, to death, we virtually acquit by returning a verdict of manslaughter against him Is it not disgraceful.
WE make these remarks on a column review of the trial of Robert Moore for the murder of his wife. A report is again in another column. We gave a report in full of the coroner's inquest [i.e.Dr. Langstaff],
* since which time several additional facts have come to light, which we suppose would of course be elicited at the Assizes when Moore was brought to his trial, especially as witnesses were subpoenaed, but great astonishment & indignation, when the found that these witnesses were not examined & put on their oath, things would have born a different aspect of the most disgraceful & abominable treatment to the poor unfortunate deceased would have been brought home to the prisoner.
* One of the witnesses [i.e. David Hopkins] asserted the Mrs Moore was seen in a state of beastly intoxication;
* & an other [i.e. James Burn] stated she was under the influence of liquor, but he himself has also stated the previous to then he never know that she tasted liquor & several times offered it to her & she invariably refused;
* There were 2 parties who where in her company for half an hour prior to the above witness who would have sworn she was sober, yet these parties were not called to give evidence;
* Still stranger, one party swore he had known Moore 14 years (1845) & know nothing against him, but he was honest, straightforward man. In fact the very gentleman, about 3 years since, brought Moore up on the change for stealing a pig belonging to the witness & gave Moore a very bad character.
Two years' imprisonment is a mockery of justice & is not at all commensurate to the offense.
Ref: York Herald, 28 Oct 1859, p 2, Col 2-3 &11 Nov 1859, p. 2; also with quotes extracted from the Colonist Newspaper.
. 1859 Nov. 4, Friday. Toronto Fall Assizes, Before Chief Justice Draper. The sentence: Robert Moore, manslaughter, two years in Penitentiary. Location: Assize Court Room, Adelaide Street, Toronto.
Ref: The Globe Newspaper, Toronto, Sat. Nov 5, 1859.
. 1860 Mar 23 - On Tuesday last we were rather taken aback at seeing the man Moore who was tried & sentenced to two years in the Provincial Penitentiary last October, walk our streets a pardoned man. Our first impulse was that he had made is escape, but our surprise was indeed great when we learned that he was verily pardoned; & for the life of us we cannot make out the how & the way he is thus leniently dealt with; we are not aware of any petition having been got up in his favour, as the prevailing opinion in these parts, is that the sentence was too lenient & yet lenient as it was, in about 4 months he is free; this is passing strange & we would much like to learn something more of this mysterious affair. As it appears to us most unaccountably strange & we hope that some one will be able to throw some light on the subject. Perhaps our city contemporaries will deign to enlighten their numerous subscribers in this neighborhood on the above affair, as we are on the tiptoes of expectation to know why this man as been so leniently dealt with.
Ref: York Herald, 1860 Mar 23, p.2.
. 1860 Sep 10 - To the Editor of the York Herald: Over the initial Z - in your last issue, is a communications done up in the worst possible taste; throwing the charge of uncharitableness on respectable individuals who think different from Z & dare to express their opinions. The assertion of destitution cannot be sustained, as the father is now in constant work & has been all summer, at good wage, living rent free; beside the charity of a few King [township] neighbors. Experiences does does sometimes teach bitter lessons, but the reprove & reproved are aline open to its teachings. Comparing it with the case of Moor, his pardon was never petitioned for; the conflicting nature of the evidence was all that saved him, nor the morbid sympathy so often displayed in similar cases & which every sound thinking man must see with regret & alarm, i.e. every day extending its mawkish influence; while the victim or victimized are forgotten or laugh at in a few days. - the culprit claims mouths of sympathy & the prayers of the multitude for his pardon. However, I think persons most interested, ought to have been consulted as to their wishes, Yours truly, A Reader, Richmond Hill, Sept 10th.
Ref: York Herald, Newmarket, published 1860 Sep 14.
. Letters in Richmond Hill Post Office, Teefy, Post Master
. 1857, Oct 1, Moore, Mrs. (care of Joseph Hill)
. 1859 June 1st, Robt. Moore.
. 1860 Oct 1, Robert Moore, John & James McGee & Wm. Goggin
. 1861 Sep 1 & 1861.10.1, 1863.7.24,
Ref: York Ridings Gazette. Pub.1857.10.23.
. June 1859; W. H. Lawrence, Robt. Moore.
Ref: York Herald Newspaper.
Notes11, concerning person mentioned in this story:
. 1861 Oct 10 - Notice that James Burns has moved his tailor's shop to his new house, one door south of Harrison's Saddlery shop, where by strict application to business & studying he hopes to merit a continuance of the support so liberally bestowed on by the inhabitants of Richmond Hill & Vicinity. Garments cut to order on the shortest notice & in the last Style. James B Burnes, Tailor.
. 1861 Oct 31 Thus. summary: The Queen Vs James Burnes or McGee Vs Gauley. The clothes then worn by Gauley & son John Gauley had on in Court were made by Burns, the in truth they were not. Hd had done $34 worth of work towards paying for the brick account due to Thos. Gauley - which statements are false & direct perjury. Verdict, Not Guilty.
. 1866 Nov 28 - Advertisement: Brick House & Lot for Sale on Richmond Hill. The subscriber, acting as agent for the Owner, offers for sale by private bargain, that desirable property, situated in the most central part of the Village of Richmond Hill & at present occupied by Mrs James Burns, There is a half an acres of land fronting on Yonge & Centre Streets with a new Brick Cottage erected thereon. the cottage has a stone cellar, well cemented, 3 rooms, kitchen, Pantry & clothes room. Also a good supply of Hard & soft water, Well situated for building purposes. For further information apply James Lawrence, Division Court Clerk. Office opposite Raymond's Hotel, Richmond Hill, Dec 6, 1866.
. 1867 May 31 - McGee, Edmund - 3 letters remanning in Richmond Hill Post Office.
.1867 Jun 21 - Hay For Sale, 65 A, being 2 fields, L29, Con 3 & Lot 34, Con 3, Apply SSM 4th Con.
. 1868 Dec 17 - Mr. Arnold authorized the Treasurer to pay James McGee, the sum of $200, un full, for making a road access the swamp in front of his mill.
.1870 Mar 25, Vaughan Municipal County Council. James McGee, claiming $100, as a balance due him for building road across a swamp in the 5th Concession of this Twp. Mr. Arnold moves the Treasurer pay James McGee, the sum of $50 in full fo making road across the McGee swamp.
Ref: York Herald newspaper.
Research & transcription by P J Ahlberg. Thank you. - - - [1, 2]
- Page 2 - Biography of W H Lawrence contd.
. 1859 Mar 25 - Letters remaining at the Richmond Hill Post Office: William H Lawrence. Ref: York commonwealth Newspaper.
. 1868 May 28, to Jun 12th. Richmond Hill Advertisement: WOOL CARDING & CLOTH DRESSING FOR 1868. The subscriber, in returning thanks for the liberal patronage which his numerous friends & customers have favored him, would state that he has
Fitted up his Carding machine with New Cards,
In a superior manner, also have employed Joh Riddell late of Markham who being widely known as a First-Class Workman, feels confident of given to those who ma favor him with their custom, the most entire satisfaction. Parties returning their cloth to be dressed at my establishment, in the fall, will not be required to pay for their carding until after having their cloth dress. *** the highest price will be paid for wool delivered at the shop. Wool Taken in Pay for Carding. Signed W H Lawrence.
Ref: York Herald newspaper, pub. 1868 Jun 5.
. 1869 Feb 17, Richmond Hill. Tenders Wanted. Tenders will be received up to Saturday, March 20 1869 for the building of a HOUSE & STABLE. Plans specifications may be seen on application to James M Lawrence, Township Clerk.
The lowest or any other ender will not be received unless otherwise satisfactory. Signed, Wm H Lawrence.
. 1869 Oct 5, Auction Sale of Custom Carding & Fulling Mill, Dwelling House & 4 acres of excellent Land, situated on Lot 42, Con 1, Vaughan, the property of W H Lawrence. To be sold at Henderson's Auction Rooms, 76 Yonge St., Toronto, Henderson Wallace Auctioneers.
Ref: York Herald newspaper.
Note2: Compare, at the same time, the Furniture auction of furniture by his Uncle A C Lawrence L42, C1 in 1867.
. 1869 Oct 21, Astray. Came into the premises of the subscriber, near of Lot 42, 1st Con. Vaughan, about 20th September last, a large pig. The owner is requested to prove property, pay expenses & take it away. Signed W H Lawrence.
. 1869 Nov 11, Notice The party who took from my premises, Lot 42, ear of 1st Con, Vaughan, a few days ago, a Black Pig, with a ring in its nose, & part of one ear cut off, is hereby requested to call on me & pay for the advertising of the same. W H Lawrence.
. 1869 Nov 19, Auction Sales, Farm Stock, Implements etc, on Lot 42 1st Con Vaughan, property of Wm H Lawrence, Sale at 1 o'clock pm. W H Myers, Auctioneer.
. 1869 Dec 17, The York Herald of the Vaughan Town Clerk, The York Herald refused to publish Jos Break's communication, which appeared in the Toronto Telegraph:
1st. because the editor wished to ascertain mr Break's statement regards tour township accounts were true.
2nd mr Eakin, Twp. Clerk always treated the editor very courteously. There was good reason to believe there was some truth in Mr. Break's charges. …When a journal uses its columns to use a twp. Clerk, to drive him from his position that Mr Teffy the editor, may drop ito the office is stooping too low to be wholesome. Should he Vaughan Council, in consequences of these tribal changes of the Herald, dismiss Mr. lawrence & appoint Mr taffy Town Clerk everything in that quarter would be satisfactory. The Herald will see the utter fallacy, now that the trick has been exposed - of finding fault with Mr Lawrence because it is anxious to secure the office for Mr Teefy. That card won't win. Economist newspaper.
The Economist to the Rescue. The Economist inspired by Mer Lawrence's plethoric kinsman, with an eye to the approaching Municipal elections in Markham, has rushed to the rescue. Mr Break's first communication appeared in a city paper, is far fetched. It is common for journals to copy communications from other newspapers. We deny having any desire to remove Mr Lawrence from his situation & no one of Mr Lawrence's friends can pint to any remarks in these columns, since ehe became Clerk of Vaughan Twp. Mr. Lawrence's duty to attend to his business, for which he is amply paid, & resort to not tricks to prevent us from keeping our readers posted in matters done by the Council. When we did not publish the minutes of Nov 8th our readers inquired the cause. Which caused he Township Clerk's velvet to write Mr Lawrence's literary gem. Mr Lawrence absented himself for days from his office & that Twp. business was left to wait until he had done visiting Newmarket fair. Mr Lawrence, in his vain conceit, intimated he hew to be false. The Economist endeavors to induce his readers to believe that gentleman wants the office of Vaughan Twp. Clerk & for this is our reason for exposing Mr Lawrence's short comings. Mr Teefy's assurance that the Council have nothing in their gift that he covets. Mr Lawrence with a salary of $100 more than Mr Teefy offered to do the work for. We known that Mr Lawrence has vanity enough to consider himself unequalled. From time to time, sine Mr Lawrence assumed the duties of Vaughan Twp. Clerk & Treasurer, we could have frequently trodden on his corns, but w refrained, had it not been for the indiscreet zeal of his fat friend & the Economist.
. 1879 May 1, New Woollen Mills, We are pleased to learn that Mr T H McNeilly of Barrie, has rented the old Lawrence Mills about a mile south of this village on Yonge Street, from John Langstaff & intends to have a first class woolen mill in operation immediately. The mills have lain idea for some years & Mr McNeilly purposes implying 5 hands steadily, the place will present a busy appearance hereafter.
. 1879 May 8, Richmond Hill Woolen Factory, to the inhabitants of Markham king & Vaughan, having leased the above mills, formerly known as the Lawrence mills, from John Longstaff, for a term of years & having added the latest improvements in machinery, i among prepared to do carding, spinning, weaving, fulling, dying, in a superior manner Roll Carding!- - -
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1838 - 1924 (85 years)